Jwala, Ashwini disappointed despite historic run
Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa’s dream run at the World Badminton Championships came to an end in the semifinals but the pair managed to script history by claiming a bronze medal for India in the prestigious event after a gap of 28 years.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallists gave a tough fight to fifth-seeded Chinese duo of Tian Qing and Zhao Yunlei in the semifinal before losing the rubber 14-21, 16-21 in 38 minutes on Saturday night at the Wembley Arena.
Disappointed to lose out on a place in the final, Ashwini said this experience will be beneficial for them in next year’s London Olympics.
“We did well under pressure but we are a little disappointed. I think we played very well but needed to be more cautious,” Ashwini said. “We have a feel for the stadium now and for next year and the Olympics.”
Jwala and Ashwini achieved what no other Indian shuttler could do in the last 28 years, ending the country’s medal drought in the flagship event.
The only other medal for India in the championship came way back in 1983 when Prakash Padukone bagged the men’s singles bronze in Copenhagen, Denmark.
En route to the last four round, giant-killers Jwala and Ashwini had stunned second seeds Wen Hsing Cheng and Yu Chin Chien of the Chinese Taipei in the second round before disposing of 12th seeded Indonesian pair of Vita Marrisa and Nadya Melati in the quarterfinals.
